High laundry costs don’t wash well with many Sault Ste. Marie Sally Ann clients.
They’re about to get some relief.
The Elgin Street branch recently acquired four brand-new, front-loading washers and dryers, which, says Salvation Army volunteer Fran Schryer, will fill a profound need within the community.
“One of the things that our clients have identified as being a real problem for them is getting laundry done because it’s so expensive,” Schryer told The Sault Star.
“We hear it all the time that they’re paying $40 and up a month to do laundry,” she said, adding those with medical problems, who perhaps produce more laundry, can easily cough up close to $100.
Three sets of machines were made possible via a Home Depot Canada Foundation grant, and the other pair was paid for through donations. Schryer didn’t disclose figures.
“Needless to say, (the grant) covers the costs,” she said.
Officials are shooting for a Sept. 15 launch.
Machines will accommodate two families in the morning and two in the afternoon, Monday to Thursday. Appointments must be booked the day before. Clients must supply high-efficiency liquid soap, not pods, as recommended for such front-loading washers.
No fabric softener will be used in washers, just dryer sheets.
“We’re trying to make them last as long as they can,” Schryer said.
The concept has been in the works for about a year and was initially slated to be launched Sept. 1
“Being an old building, we ran into some plumbing difficulties, so it kind of delayed us,” Schryer said. “But, I think we’re just about ready to go.”
The Salvation Army branch will look after associated hot water and power costs.
“We’re quite sure we can cover that in our budget,” Schryer said. “It had to come from some other places, but …”
The eight machines are housed in what used to be a small staff kitchen. Home Depot staff have volunteered to repair walls, as well as paint the new laundry room and staff lunch room, covering supply costs. The Sally Ann had to shoulder some plumbing renovation costs.
Volunteers are now being sought to assist clients with washing.
“That’s another part of what we’re looking to get covered,” Schryer said.
She said she’s not aware of other regional Salvation Army branches offering similar services, but a much larger Alberta counterpart has been doing it for some time.
“They take theirs a lot further than we do,” Schryer said, adding jumpsuits are provided to clients, often homeless, as they wash what may be their sole set of clothes. That branch is much larger, having space for changing rooms.
“We can’t go that far.”
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On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler